Associated Press: Predicting the 1st round of NFL draft

By Barry Wilner
Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Aug. 2 2015 2:28 p.m. MDT

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2013 file photo, Dion Jordan runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Jordan is considered a possible first round pick at the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25, 2013 (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) (Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) — Get me out of here.

Maneuvering to move down in Thursday night's first round of the draft will be a common behind-the-scenes scramble. There simply are few franchise-type players teams will be enamored of, yet plenty of depth to make picking up extra picks later on a worthwhile strategy.

The big bodies will dominate the opening round. Look for 17 of them to go in the top 32 at Radio City Music Hall.

The mock draft presumes no trades (but 100 percent accuracy).

1. KANSAS CITY (2-14)

The Chiefs already have their quarterback — not that it is worth taking one at the top this year — and a good running game. The guy who could be the cornerstone for the entire offense, as well as QB Alex Smith's protector for next few years, plays left tackle.

LUKE JOECKEL, OT, TEXAS A&M

FILE - This Oct. 27, 2012, file photo, Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) tackles California running back Isi Sofele (20) in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game, in Salt Lake City. Lotulelei won't be among the two dozen players attending the NFL draft in person in New York. He declined the invitation so he could be with 50 to 100 family members and friends at his home south of Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) (Associated Press)

2. JACKSONVILLE (2-14)

Unlike the Chiefs, the Jaguars are virtually devoid of talent everywhere. So anyone they choose will be an upgrade. There's talk they could jettison Blaine Gabbert, their first-round pick two years ago, and go for Geno Smith at quarterback. They'd love to trade down, but if not, they'll upgrade the pass rush and defensive athleticism instead.

DION JORDAN, DE-OLB, OREGON

3. OAKLAND (4-12)

By far the worst team in drafts over the last decade. But now there's a new regime under Reggie McKenzie, who learned his trade in Green Bay, one of the best drafting clubs of recent years. Like Jacksonville, Oakland could go anywhere with this pick, but is less likely to look to move down.

FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2013 file photo, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones passes against Texas A&M during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) (Associated Press)

ERIC FISHER, OT, CENTRAL MICHIGAN

4. PHILADELPHIA (4-12)

The Chip Kelly no-holds-barred, breakneck offense needs speedy playmakers, something the Eagles already have. What they don't have: enough bigtime defenders. They go for a huge one in ...

SHARRIF FLOYD, DT, FLORIDA

5. DETROIT (4-12)

Coming off a distressing collapse in which they gave up 437 points, the Lions must find a way to close the wide-open door to their end zone. They're fortunate to have several options here, and go for the pass rusher.

ZIGGY ANSAH, DE, BYU

6. CLEVELAND (5-11)

After holding their breath that the cornerback they seek will be on the board — the previous three teams all have a need there — the Browns can exhale and call the name ...

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2013, file photo, a member of the U.S. Army jumps into the stadium before the first half of the BCS National Championship college football game between Alabama and Notre Dame in Miami. The conference commissioners in charge of putting together the four-team playoff system that will start after the 2014 regular season will meet starting Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in Pasadena, Calif. At the top of their agenda: Pick three more bowls to be used in the semifinal rotation and decide on a site for the first national championship game. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (Associated Press)

DEE MILLINER, CB, ALABAMA

7. ARIZONA (5-11)

If they can't trade down, the Cardinals won't have to swallow hard to upgrade their offensive line with a proven winner and another Crimson Tide player.

CHANCE WARMACK, G, ALABAMA

8. BUFFALO (6-10)

Every team puts up smoke screens before the draft. And the Bills sure seem to have polluted the air with them because we think they aren't convinced Kevin Kolb or Tarvaris Jackson is more than a backup or fill-in QB. So the first quarterback off the board is ...

GENO SMITH, QB, WEST VIRGINIA

9. NEW YORK JETS (6-10)

Having finally dealt Darrelle Revis, the Jets could look at a cornerback here, perhaps FSU's Xavier Rhodes. And, yes, they might have considered Smith. But someone who can get to the quarterback from the outside is a must for Rex Ryan's defense.

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2012 file photo, Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson (8) throws as South Carolina's D.J. Swearinger (36) pressures during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Columbia, S.C. When the NFL Draft rolls around, the second-guessing officially begins as some of college football's highest-profile quarterbacks find out if an extra year in school cost them millions of dollars. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File) (Associated Press)

BARKEVIOUS MINGO, DE-OLB, LSU

10. TENNESSEE (6-10)

The Titans sang a sour song on defense all through 2012, so it's time to fix some of that in Music City. They might look at the offensive line, but their needs are so hefty on D, and there are lots of solid prospects on the board. Such as ...

JARVIS JONES, LB, GEORGIA

11. SAN DIEGO (7-9)

Another team starting over after the talent base was erased by ill-advised moves in the last few years. New coach Mike McCoy is offense-minded, and he sees all the holes on the line.

LANE JOHNSON, OT, OKLAHOMA

12. MIAMI (7-9)

Yet another team needing blocking help. After the Dolphins made so many splashes in free agency, they can afford to fill a void, especially when one of the better offensive linemen still is available.

FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2013 file photo, Luke Joeckel runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Joeckel is considered a possible first pick in the NFL Draft, Thursday, April 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File) (Associated Press)

JONATHAN COOPER, G, NORTH CAROLINA

13. NEW YORK JETS (6-10)

They didn't miss on Rhodes, but they will consider an offensive playmaker here such as Tavon Austin or DeAndre Hopkins. In the end, the back end on defense will be the target, and because this seems too high to take a safety, New York grabs ...

XAVIER RHODES, CB, FLORIDA STATE

14. CAROLINA (7-9)

The Panthers will be tempted to go back to the big guys. Then they will spot the little guy with the game-breaking skills on kick returns, as a receiver and even perhaps in a version of the wildcat. They can't resist ...

TAVON AUSTIN, WR, WEST VIRGINIA

15. NEW ORLEANS (7-9)

The Saints will take about 10 seconds of their allotted time to write down their pick, instantly improving their pass rush with a guy with good feel for getting to the quarterback and plenty of upside.

FILE - In this March 26, 2013, file photo, linebacker Manti Te'o eases up after running the 40-yard dash during Notre Dame's pro day for NFL football scouts in South Bend, Ind. Combine the good, bad and bizarre, and when Te'o gets selected might be the most intriguing part of the NFL draft that starts Thursday, March 25, in New York. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond) (Associated Press)

BJOERN WERNER, DE, FLORIDA STATE

16. ST. LOUIS (7-8-1)

St. Louis would have liked a shot at Austin — receiver definitely is a need — and could go for one here. But with another pick coming up soon where they can get a pass catcher, the Rams opt for the best safety in this draft.

KENNY VACCARO, S, TEXAS

17. PITTSBURGH (8-8)

As the Steelers keep insisting they are not a team in transition, one look at the roster says otherwise. Free agency losses hurt them, and they lack the depth they've had in their contending seasons. The first upgrade this year is ...

STAR LOTULELEI, DT, UTAH

18. DALLAS (8-8)

They would have loved Vaccaro in their secondary. The Rams spoiled that, and the Cowboys consider bolstering their backfield and offensive line before taking the best man still unclaimed.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks about their team's needs during a news conference on Monday, April 22, 2013 concerning the upcoming NFL football draft in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (Associated Press)

SYLVESTER WILLIAMS, DT, NORTH CAROLINA

19. NEW YORK GIANTS (9-7)

As the noise in the theater reaches a crescendo, with chants from blue-shirted Giants fans of "MAN-TI, MAN-TI," the Giants indeed fill their need for an inside linebacker with good instincts, passion and leadership skills.

ARTHUR BROWN, ILB, KANSAS STATE

20. CHICAGO (10-6)

There won't be as much noise when the Bears step up. There will be the same need for a linebacker, especially with Brian Urlacher gone. They find their man in Athens, Ga., a player who could play inside or outside.

ALEC OGLETREE, LB, GEORGIA

21. CINCINNATI (10-6)

With the Andre Smith free agency situation still cloudy — do the Bengals really want him back? — Cincinnati makes a move to put pressure on the veteran. Or to let him walk.

D.J. FLUKER, OT, ALABAMA

22. ST. LOUIS (10-6), pick from Washington

FILE - In this March 7, 2013 file photo, Alabama womens's head coach Wendell Hudson watches the final moments against South Carolina in an NCAA college basketball game in the Southeastern Conference tournament in Duluth, Ga. South Carolina won 77-35. Alabama has reassigned Hudson to an administrative role. Athletic director Bill Battle said Monday, April 22, 2013, that it was a mutual decision after several weeks of discussions with Hudson. (AP Photo/John Amis, File) (Associated Press)

Wisely, the Rams went with Vaccaro at No. 16 and still get the wideout to boost their passing game at this spot.

DEANDRE HOPKINS, WR, CLEMSON

23. MINNESOTA (10-6)

With two selections in the next three slots, Minnesota is going to help itself on defense both times. First up, yes, the Vikings see plenty of value in that Notre Dame linebacker.

MANTI TE'O, ILB, NOTRE DAME

24. INDIANAPOLIS (11-5)

Seeking a pass rusher to replace Dwight Freeney, the Colts look at Damontre Moore of Texas A&M, Datrone Jones of UCLA and Alex Okafor of Texas. Moore is most ready to step in.

DAMONTRE MOORE, DE, TEXAS A&M

25. MINNESOTA (10-6), pick from Seattle

More help for the interior defense in a real bargain this late in the first round. Although the Vikes are tempted to go for a wideout, they see excellent value in ...

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2012 file photo, NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders speaks during a Nike promotional event in Shanghai, China. Sanders and 77 others who have played in the NFL will serve as USA Football ambassadors to work with youth leagues in the Heads Up Football program to enhance player safety. (AP Photo/File) (Associated Press)

SHELDON RICHARDSON, DT, MISSOURI

26. GREEN BAY (11-5)

The Packers never expected to be in this position, choosing between the best running back in this crop, the two best tight ends or an effective defensive tackle who never stops coming. Does the question become which helps Aaron Rodgers more, a pass catcher or a running back?

TYLER EIFERT, TE, NOTRE DAME

27. HOUSTON (12-4)

Houston has a very obvious need: finding a receiver to complement the superb but aging Andre Johnson. That void has been a major reason the Texans flopped in the playoffs the last two years. There are three possible choices for that position, and the answer is ...

CORDARRELLE PATTERSON, WR, TENNESSEE

28. DENVER (13-3)

Getting past the Elvis Dumervil error that made him a free agent will be a whole lot easier when the Broncos find a nice replacement — and a surprise first-rounder who impressed with 4 1-2 sacks in the Alamo Bowl.

ALEX OKAFOR, DE, TEXAS

29. NEW ENGLAND (12-4)

FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2011 file photo, Indiana Pacers forward Paul George poses for a photo during the NBA basketball team's media day in Indianapolis. George has been honored as the NBA's Most Improved Player. Tuesday's, April 23, 2013 announcement comes less than a week after the 6-foot-9 forward finished his breakthrough regular season and less than 48 hours after he became only the second player in franchise history to record a triple double in the NBA playoffs. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) (Associated Press)

Predicting anything Bill Belichick will do, other than scowl or wear a hoodie, is impossible. Clearly, the Patriots need help virtually everywhere on defense, although they should be a runaway winner in the AFC East even if they skip all their picks. Now that would be different for Belichick.

MATT ELAM, S, FLORIDA

30. ATLANTA (13-3)

After giving lots of thought to Alabama RB Eddie Lacy, Atlanta backs off and turns to a defensive unit damaged in the offseason by cuts and defections. With visions of defending Brees and Newton twice a season, they go for ...

DESMOND TRUFANT, CB, WASHINGTON

31. SAN FRANCISCO (11-4-1)

The Niners almost won the Super Bowl, and they are loaded heading into the draft. So much so that they don't have to flinch about grabbing the best guy on their board. No selection for need here.

JESSE WILLIAMS, DT, ALABAMA

32. BALTIMORE (10-6)

The 2013 Ravens already don't resemble the team that won the championship. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger and Bernard Pollard — all gone. But GM Ozzie Newsome is one of the best talent evaluators around. He'll get this pick right.

KEVIN MINTER, LB, LSU

Draft predictions

By BARRY WILNER

Associated Press

1. KANSAS CITY (2-14): The guy who could be the cornerstone for the entire offense plays left tackle.